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Spirituality is a process of human life and development focusing on the search for a sense of meaning, purpose, morality, and well-being; in relationship with oneself, other people, other beings, the universe, and ultimate reality, however understood; orienting around centrally significant priorities; and engaging a sense of transcendence ...
What is life cycle ritual that marks a person's or group of persons' transition from one social state to another?
As noted earlier in this chapter, by deepening the spiritual dimension of their lives, individuals can identify their own basic purpose in life; develop a strong sense of purpose, values, morals, and ethics; experience greater peace and fulfillment; and help themselves and others achieve their full potential.
- History of Ashramas
- Brahmacharya: The Celibate Student
- Grihastha: The Householder
- Vanaprastha: The Hermit in Retreat
- Sannyasa: The Wandering Recluse
- Sources
This system of ashramas is believed to have been prevalent since the 5th century B.C.E. in Hindu society, and described in the classic Sanskrit texts called the Asrama Upanishad, the Vaikhanasa Dharmasutra, and the later Dharmashastra. Historians report that these stages of life were always viewed more as 'ideals' than as a common practice. Accordi...
Brahmacharya is a period of formal education lasting until around age 25, during which, the student leaves home to stay with a guru and attain both spiritual and practical knowledge. The student has two duties: to learn the skills of his life and to practice unwavering devotion to his teachers. During this period, he is called a Brahmachari as he p...
This Second Ashrama begins at marriage when one must undertake the responsibility for earning a living and supporting a family. At this stage, Hindus first practice dharma, but also pursue wealth or material gratification (artha) as a necessity, and indulge in sexual pleasure (kama), under certain defined social and cosmic norms. This ashrama last...
The Vanaprastha stage is one of gradual withdrawal. The person's duty as a householder comes to an end: He has become a grandfather, his children are grown up and have established lives of their own. At this age, he should renounce all physical, material, and sexual pleasures, retire from his social and professional life and leave his home for a fo...
Ashrama 4 is one of renunciation and the realization of dharma. At this stage, a person is supposed to be totally devoted to God. He is a sannyasi, he has no home, no other attachment; he has renounced all desires, fears, hopes, duties, and responsibilities. He is virtually merged with God, all his worldly ties are broken, and his sole concern beco...
Kakar, Sudhir. "The Human Life Cycle: The Traditional Hindu View and the Psychology of Erik Erikson." Philosophy East and West18.3 (1968): 127-36. Print. Miller, David. "Modernity in Hindu Monasticism: Swami Vivekananda and the Ramakrishna Movement." Ascetic Culture: Renunciation and Worldly Engagement. Ed. Ishwaran, K. London: Brill, 1999. 111-26....
Cycle of birth and death. reincarnation The belief that atman is born many times in different bodies ( and possibly different forms/realms). is a key belief within Hinduism. In Hinduism, all life...
The teachings of Hinduism include an understanding of the aims of human life and the personal virtues of a practising Hindu. Understanding the nature of human life also involves an awareness...
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